[Mkguild] Dire Situation Part 4

[Stealth]

2009/3/19 Hallan Mirayas <hallanmirayas at hotmail.com>

>  Something tells me I need to come on the IRC chatroom more often, if stu=
ff
> this big is discussed only there and not on the List.
>
> 1- A dire animal is not the same species as its normal-sized counterpart.
> That means a dire-shift would be a species shift.  Now, correct me if I'm
> wrong, but species shifting is not something described in the story unive=
rse
> before, is it?  Aside from when it's caused by a daedra lord or lady, that
> is?  (As seen in Raven's story "Rites of Ascendancy", daedra lords and
> ladies -can- alter the Curse.)  I don't recall the Curse allowing
> species-shifts.  Taurform, animal form, and morph form all stay the same
> animal.  Changing a cheetah into a dire king cheetah?  I could easily see
> that as being an interference between the Curse and enchanted armor for a
> hunting cat, but a new form within the boundaries of the Curse?
>

'Dire' is merely the NAME that I call this form which is simply a taur
without the humanoid upper half. Unlike a dire wolf.

And the pattern on the armour gave him the appearance of a king cheetah.
Besides, a king cheetah is NOT another species anyway. A king cheetah is a
cheetah with a recessive gene that gives them a differing fur pattern.

>
> 2- I thought we already had morphing armor.  It's been listed on the MK
> wiki for quite some time.  That's where I got the idea for Drift's
> shapeshifting clothes in Harvest Festival.
>
> Hallan
>
> ------------------------------
> Date: Wed, 18 Mar 2009 18:50:19 -0400
> From: stormkit10 at gmail.com
> To: stealthcat15 at gmail.com
> CC: MKGuild at lists.integral.org
> Subject: Re: [Mkguild] Dire Situation Part 4
>
>
> Well it took me a while, but I finally managed to catch up on your flow of
> stories and I must say it's pretty good. I like the idea of your amulet a=
nd
> had actually been thinking of something like it myself for a while, but t=
he
> thing I like most about this story? You introdocued a new form! It's alwa=
ys
> good to see people experimenting and expanding the boundaries of limitati=
ons
> (you know... assuming they actually ARE expanding and not just shattering=
 it
> altogether) and it's kind of nice to see Misha get shown up. When the dire
> form came up in the chatroom (was that YOU who brought it up? I can't even
> remember anymore), I thought it was a really nifty idea, but I had no idea
> anything would actually be done about it, especially not so soon (no offe=
nse
> MK, but when one year of real time manages to barely make it through a
> season, you don't get rewards for speed :P). So now that we've discovered=
 a
> new form, what are the drawbacks? Obviously the pluses include greater
> strength and speed than the taur form, but minus the dexterity (look ma, =
no
> hands!). Seems like a relatively good trade, but you also need to consider
> that both these forms are way better than the two normal ones (and anythi=
ng
> in between, such as what Stealth exhibited near the beginning). Both do s=
ort
> of have the disadvantage of greater size meaning less maneuverability,
> greater target, etc, but it's not enough of a drawback to counter the
> extreme benefits. Taur makes up for this by being really hard to use. Aft=
er
> all, six limbs is really difficult to coordinate properly under normal
> conditions, let alone something stressful like battle or strenuous activi=
ty
> where you're distracted. Dire on the other hand has no such thing, it's j=
ust
> like the morph form, but bigger, better, and stronger, where's the flaw?
> Nothing kills a story faster than an overpowered character with no
> drawbacks.
>
> On another note, do you remember I told you once that an upcoming charact=
er
> of mine (and myself also to a partial extent) thought your suit was somew=
hat
> silly, impractical, and altogether needing a redesign? Well this was it. I
> like the new suit very much and my character Kit (like any self respecting
> scholar in this verse) will just be dying to figure out how it works. Hec=
k,
> he semi-specializes in power storage and could probably help out with the
> suit's problem of turning to lead without warning if you let him. Anyway,
> great story, I really liked it and look forward to more. See you in tonig=
hts
> chat (hopefully).
>
> Kit
>
> On Fri, Mar 13, 2009 at 11:04 PM, Stealth <stealthcat15 at gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Last part
>
> =93Be patent and you will return to the keep =96 alive.=94
>
>     =93Ed, I know I=92m not a soldier but...=94 He paused, =93If I stay h=
ere,
> you=92re gonna die.=94
>
>     Edmund just looked at him for a long moment while his breath filled t=
he
> air between them. =93Have faith in me.=94
>
>     =93Maybe you should have faith in me.=94 Stealth answered. He was war=
ming
> to the idea that he could help defeat those thieves and assassins... =93I=
=92ve
> never done anything for you. Let me help you now.=94
>
>     The paladin looked at him for a long moment. His harsh gaze made the
> cheetah uneasy. =93All right but you need to understand just how deadly w=
hat
> we are doing really is. You need to do exactly what I say.=94
>
>     =93Fine.=94 Stealth answered sharply, =93But only in battle. I know t=
his
> armour and my new body better then you... I=92d hazard a guess that I
> understand what=92s going on better then you, no offence. You need to hea=
r me
> out; let me help you with any plan you make.=94
>
>     Edmund took a breath and nodded, =93Let=92s get to work.=94
>
> ------------------------------------
>
>     =93A paladin?=94 A well groomed mongoose asked. =93He must not be all=
owed to
> escape.=94
>
>     =93Escape is not his plan.=94 The man answered. =93I=92ll take care o=
f the
> filthy Follower, You will do away with the other one.=94
>
>     =93Done.=94 Regal answered, =93I took him out easy enough once. This =
time I
> don=92t think the boss will mind me killing him; not if I bring back some=
thing
> good.=94
>
> -------------------------------------
>
>     =93Then it=92s settled.=94 Edmund said as he looked over his sword on=
ce more.
> =93We will head to the far hill and take shelter behind the reverse slope=
.=94
> The paladin sighed before he continued, =93You will flank them and fell as
> many as you can with your bow but you will remain at a safe distance.=94
>
>     =93Understood.=94 Stealth scowled and shifted to his taur form and th=
en
> again to his new dire form. The armour melted and contorted into place
> though it staggered at times.
>
>     Edmund sheathed his long sword. =93You should use your normal full fo=
rm;
> you need your speed and agility to evade them.=94
>
>     =93Look around, Ed. I need good traction to do those things anyway.=
=94
>
>     Edmund just looked at him while he pondered, =93I=92d still prefer yo=
u to
> stay and remain safe, at least try to head east to Mycransburg.=94
>
>     =93Then why bother coming here to get this?=94 The large animal motio=
ned to
> himself, pointing out either his armour suit or new form or both.
>
>     =93To use when you are a better scout and fighter.=94 The knight coun=
tered,
> =93To use them when the time is right.=94
>
>     =93I can do this, trust me. You know I=92m not the bravest man around=
. I
> wouldn=92t do this if I didn=92t like my chances.=94 Stealth implored.
>
>     =93You=92re still training, you are wearing ancient armour and you=92=
re in a
> new form, neither of which you understand.=94
>
>     =93But you said I=92m here for a reason, you said I got this armour f=
or a
> reason. The suit will protect me and I=92ll run fast, I won=92t engage th=
em.
> They won=92t even see me most of the time.=94 As he said it, Stealth=92s =
heart
> beat faster then he could count the number of beats. He trembled with fear
> but he tried to control it.
>
>     =93All right...=94 Edmund said and controlled his feelings. This was
> nothing new to him; a rookie wanting to do something foolhardy with the
> likely hood of being killed. =93You will keep your distance from the assa=
ssins
> at all times. Do not approach the Daedraenlui. I must face him alone.=94
>
>     =93Fine, I=92ll peg them from a distance and keep moving. Now grab my=
 bow
> and quiver, tie them onto the back of my neck.=94 The animal said and poi=
nted
> a paw to his weapons.
>
>     The paladin quickly wrapped a leather band around the dire cheetah=92s
> neck like a collar but to it he equipped the quiver and latched the bow o=
ver
> it.
>
>     =93Good, now Ed, quickly jump on my back.=94 The dire animal ordered =
and
> kneeled close to the ground.
>
>     Edmund flinched and stared at the large feline. =93I=92ll use my moun=
t to
> run along side.=94
>
>     =93I need you to be able to keep up; you=92re no good to me trailing
> behind.=94
>
>     =93I=92m sorry, there has to be another way. I=92m not entirely
> comfortable...=94 the paladin explained.
>
>     The giant cheetah shot him a cold glare, =93How do you think I felt w=
hen
> you wanted me to disrobe in front of your people?! Our lives are at stake=
!=94
>
>     Edmund sighed. The idea of riding a friend just creped him out. But a
> part of him was interested in the challenge of riding a cheetah.
>
>     =93It will be alright.=94 The animal said.
>
>     The paladin quickly climbed onto the dire cheetah. He didn=92t sit up=
 but
> leaned forward and tried to gain his balance. This was vastly different f=
rom
> riding a horse and it took a moment to get a good seat. All the while he
> tried not to think about WHO he would be riding.
>
>     =93I am ready!=94 Edmund said and grit his teeth.
>
>     =93Good! Hold on tight, here we go!=94 The animal shouted and took of=
f like
> a bolt.
>
>     As the paladin bounced around he said a last quick prayer, =93Eli see=
 us
> through... and please don=92t let me fall off.=94
>
> -------------------------------------
>
>     As they approached the tree line, Stealth gasped at the weight of what
> they were doing. It wouldn=92t be the first time he=92s... killed someone=
 but
> now he was faced with true combat. All of his training would be put to the
> test and it would make the difference between life and death.
>
>     =93Ed...=94 He said in a huff, =93I can=92t do this.=94
>
>     =93Yes you can!=94 The paladin snarled. =93Now is NOT the time to loo=
se your
> nerve. Flank them! Flank them!=94 He pulled on the cheetah=92s neck and g=
uided
> it to the right. He guided his friend as he would a horse... =93As soon as
> we=92re past the reverse slope I=92ll drop, you just keep running!=94
>
>     With a feral snarl the dire cheetah ran faster and ploughed through t=
he
> snow. In the twilight he leapt over a snow bank then up the shallow side =
of
> a slope. Once past the reverse slope he felt a large weight drop from his
> back. Having deposited Edmund as close as he=92d dare approach, Stealth r=
an
> onward, while blocking out the hustling and confusion of the bandits he
> shifted to his full form. As soon as he reached a safe distance he stopped
> to rest. The feline shifted to taur form and reached for the bow now slung
> very loosely around his neck.
>
>     After reattaching the belt to his back he shifted to ordinary full fo=
rm
> and took off at another run. His pace slowed from the exertion earlier as=
 he
> ran low through the trees and snow banks. He stopped and shifted to taur
> form, notching an arrow in his bow. Stealth took a breath and loosed the
> arrow. As he shifted back to full form he heard a grunt but he was already
> running to a new location where he shifted again and shot another arrow w=
ith
> the same result.
>
>     As he ran about the pre dawn field he tried to ignore the shouts of
> alarm from fleeing bandits. They obviously knew they were under attack but
> had no idea at the location or number of assassins =96 perhaps the Keep w=
as
> onto them? Stealth shifted to taur form once more but paused in notching =
his
> arrow. Instead he shifted back to Dire form, his harness bunching up arou=
nd
> his neck again, and ran at several people he saw running.
>
>     Suddenly, like metal succumbing to years of rust in mere seconds, his
> armour ground to a halt and the animal collapsed in the snow.
>
>     =91No! No! Not now!!!=92 He willed the armour off and it promptly dro=
pped
> like scrap. As he shook off the unwanted weight, the cheetah caught sight=
 of
> something glowing.
>
>     Lying in the snow in the remnants was the dagger from the cellar. The
> dire cheetah took it hesitantly in his muzzle, feeling a strange warmth f=
low
> over him. He ignored the sensation and ran at the thieves as they galloped
> away.
>
>     Stealth reached them in no time and swiped the first horse=92s hind l=
egs
> up from under it. It=92s rider fell to the ground on his head with an aud=
ible
> crunch. He then turned to the next one and leapt, pouncing the bandit out=
 of
> the saddle. The dire animal landed hard on the bandit when they hit the
> ground. The thief=92s chest completely caved in under the weight of the
> feline=92s paws. Stealth then turned on another who currently rode direct=
ly at
> him.
>
>     The cheetah darted out of the way faster then should have been possib=
le
> in his large form. He reached out his razor sharp dew claw and sliced open
> the horse=92s foreleg as it ran past. The horse whinnied and crashed into=
 the
> one in front. The man, some sort of mongoose, slid into the cheetah=92s
> waiting forelegs. Stealth dropped the dagger in the snow near by, he lick=
ed
> his lips and craned his head down intent on crushing the man=92s skull in=
 his
> jaws.
>
>     The mongoose looked paralysed with fear but at the last moment he
> grappled the cat=92s neck and slid underneath him out of harms way.
>
>     Stealth hissed and turned about when he saw what he=92d been hearing =
the
> whole time. The dire cheetah saw Edmund clashing with the Daedra follower,
> around them three bodies were scattered. Stealth watched the Daedraenlui
> with a bloodlust he wasn=92t really aware of. The predator crouched low t=
o the
> ground and moved silently with intent eyes.
>
> -------------------------------------
>
>     After tumbling in the snow, Edmund stood up and quickly unsheathed his
> long sword. He spared a glance at Stealth and his friend was already raci=
ng
> off. The paladin ran down the slope swinging his blade, the first swipe t=
ook
> someone=92s head, the second cut into the chest of a companion, spilling
> entrails. Edmund thrust his sword forward at a third foe and skewed him
> instantly.
>
>     The cheetah paladin then reached the tent and sliced open the canvas.
> He looked inside, emanating a long and uncertain =91chirr=92. The Daedrae=
nlui
> was absent.
>
>     Edmund hissed and jumped back on his paws when a jagged blade swept
> past him. The knight turned to his right and saw the cold, empty gaze of =
the
> unholy warrior. The Daedraenlui stared at Edmund motionless and silent wh=
ile
> three more bandits emerged around him. The thieves looked at each other a=
nd
> the anti paladin uncertain until one of them bolted.
>
>     No sooner had the long tailed weasel moved the Daedraenlui merely
> stepped on said tail and jammed his serrated blade into the morph=92s bac=
k,
> lifting the sword like a crow bar and prying a portion of spine free.
>
>     =93Stand your ground.=94 He said calmly as the morph collapsed in spa=
sms.
>
>     The other two looked at each other with a great deal more fear and ran
> at the same time. The Daedraenlui instantly drew out a chain and twirled =
it
> about, it wrapped around and sliced open one man=92s chest and he cried o=
ut as
> he fell, the unholy warrior swung it about in the same instant, wrapping =
it
> around the neck of the second. With a simple tug, the chain drew back
> causing the morph=92s head to twist and spin free of his body.
>
>     The paladin hissed and drove his sword toward the evil warrior. His
> blow was easily deflected as was expected. Edmund used the momentum to sp=
in
> his blade about and try to take the Daedraenlui=92s head but his opponent
> ducked and they soon stood opposite each other. Edmund=92s ears twitched =
to
> the startled cries behind him. The knight seethed when he realised Stealth
> had ignored his order and engaged the bandits directly.
>
>     He blocked out the thought as he twirled with the Daedra warrior and
> exchanged blows. As Edmund countered attack after attack he began to tire
> but the =91anti paladin=92 showed no sign of tiring. The cheetah began to=
 loose
> ground and panted with the exertion.
>
>     =91Eli, give me... strength?=92 The knight=92s eyes widened as a gian=
t animal
> rose up behind his opponent like a wave and crashed into the Daedraenlui =
who
> slammed into the ground and slid to a halt at Edmund=92s paws.
>
>     The man was almost crushed under the weight of the dire cheetah.
> Stealth snarled at the anti-paladin, eyes wide with the thrill of the hun=
t.
> The giant animal craned its neck down and opened its jaws wide around the
> neck of the frightened Daedraenlui.
>
>     =93STEALTH! NO!=94 Edmund shouted at the cat.
>
>     Stealth jerked his head back and blinked, =93Oh, sorry. I forgot.=94 =
He put
> a heavy forepaw down on the man=92s back, restraining him easily. =93I ho=
pe you
> don=92t move; I haven=92t eaten today... I like to eat things that move.=
=94
>
>     That earned a chuckle from Edmund. The dire animal purred loudly but
> the Daedraenlui just shot the paladin an intense and hateful glare.
>
>     =93How did you fare in the battle, Ed?=94 The animal asked and looked=
 at
> the three bodies around them.
>
>     =93Oh, I didn=92t kill these ones, he did for desertion!=94 Edmund sa=
id to
> Stealth=92s other unasked question, =93I fared well; a difficult fight bu=
t I got
> thru it.=94 He answered. =93And you my friend?=94
>
>     The cheetah thought for a moment, =93I feel... different.=94 Looking =
back
> he did feel strange. Like he=92d almost enjoyed it... slowly the reality =
began
> to sink in and the thrill began to fade.
>
>     =93Are you alright?=94 Edmund asked softly.
>
>     =93No.=94 Stealth said without hesitation. =93What do you want to do =
with...
> this?=94 He asked and nudged their prisoner.
>
>     =93Hold him steady,=94 Edmund kneeled close to the ground and searche=
d the
> man for anything dangerous or interesting. He found a score of poison tip=
ped
> darts and the large chain. Ed could now tell the chain was covered in spi=
kes
> and they were marred with flesh and blood. Using a rope from one of the
> tents, the cheetah paladin tied the man=92s arms, legs and gagged him.
>
>     Once he was secured, Stealth removed his paw from the Daedra follower=
=92s
> back. =93Can I get the other ones now?=94 He asked eyes wide with the thr=
ill of
> the hunt again.
>
>     =93No, I need you here to help me take him back.=94
>
>     =93Okay. I=92m glad we survived...=94 The animal said.
>
>     =93We=92re not out of this yet,=94 Edmund reminded as he watched their
> prisoner =96 their only prisoner after the rest fled or died, =93but I am=
 glad
> to see you unharmed.=94
>
>     Stealth purred and rubbed against Edmund, causing him to grunt and fa=
ll
> backward in the snow. =93Ooof!=94
>
>     =93Are you sure you want to take him back with us?=94 Stealth asked a=
nd
> sniffed Edmund=92s nose.
>
>     =93It wouldn=92t be right to kill him like this. He should be tried f=
or his
> crimes.=94 Ed answered as he got back up and looked around. =93Forgive me=
 for
> asking this but may I sling our guest across your back for the time being=
?=94
>
>     =93Sure.=94 The animal said and waited patiently as if he were a draft
> horse while the burden was hefted over him like a sack of potatoes. =93I=
=92ll
> take him back to the Keep!=94
>
>     =93No, not without my guidance. He is too dangerous to be left alone.=
=94
> The knight ordered and turned to head back up to the tree line. =93Follow=
 me
> to my horse.=94
>
>     =93Ed, wait, my armour.=94 Stealth motioned behind him.
>
>     =93All right,=94 The paladin walked quickly past the splayed corpses =
and
> noted the arrows buried in their skulls. =93You did very well Stealth. Fi=
ne
> aim.=94
>
>     Stealth just mumbled in acknowledgment; he didn=92t feel all that pro=
ud
> of what he=92d done, just an unsettling craving... The thought was worse =
when
> he remembered almost crushing their skulls in his jaws. Perhaps he was
> feeling a little complacent and feral in his new form, Stealth wondered w=
ith
> trepidation if he had tried to kill the Daedraenlui... or eat him.
>
>     Halfway to the discarded pile the dire creature found his dagger in t=
he
> snow. He idly snatched it up in his muzzle and felt its warmth quickly
> fading away.
>
>     When they found the suit, Edmund didn=92t have the strength to fully
> repower it at that time so he just fuelled it enough to make it=92s weight
> bearable and then collected up each plate as well as the daggers into a
> gunny sack he took from the tents. It was a slow walk but they eventually
> made their way back to the horse. With renewed energy they then left the
> Haunted Woods (again) and stepped out into the sunlight of the new day.
>
> -------------------------------------
>
>     As they slowly headed south a distinct cloud of disquiet hung over
> them. They were victorious but neither would feel safe until they returned
> to the keep. The daunting choice of being trapped in the Haunted Woods or
> getting killed trying to leave was behind them but until the Daedra
> worshiper was out of their paws they wouldn=92t rest easy. Still, at least
> they were going home.
>
>     They forded the creek that once tried to eat Stealth=92s Yule tree.
> Though the stream was now frozen solid it was far more risky to cross.
> Stealth wanted to jump across but he=92d probably loose his load. He allo=
wed
> himself to be lead across by Edmund who held the cheetah=92s scruff in one
> hand and the halter of his horse in the other. During the crossing the di=
re
> cheetah wondered who was helping who maintain balance...
>
>     Edmund kept a close eye on the evil warrior on the cheetah=92s back w=
hile
> Stealth just lamented. A few hours past he felt thrill and delight which
> quickly eroded into despair and now he felt so shook up that he just want=
ed
> to go home.
>
>     =93You are very quiet.=94 Edmund spoke as they walked. =93Something w=
rong?=94
>
>     The quadruped opened his mouth to speak but faltered.
>
>     =93Amulet acting up?=94
>
>     =93No it=92s not that.=94 He said softly and swallowed a lump. =93...=
=94
>
>     =93Speak to me. Tell me what is troubling you.=94 The paladin ordered.
>
>     =93When I shot my bow and heard a scream...=94 Stealth began but lost=
 his
> voice.
>
>     =93I can understand how that would be troubling.=94 Edmund said and h=
uddled
> up in his coat. Now that the excitement was long behind them he was cold
> again.
>
>     =93I was happy.=94 He corrected and tried to look away.
>
>     Stealth only heard Edmund breathing, was he pondering? ...or was he
> judging? =93When I leapt and landed on someone... I was happy, happy that=
 I
> crushed him underneath me, happy that he died under my paws.=94
>
>     =93Are you sure?=94 Edmund asked.
>
>     Stealth blinked, he looked up at Edmund with an expression to emphasi=
se
> just what he thought of that question...
>
>     =93Well are you sure that YOU were delighted? Or the cheetah within?=
=94
> Edmund countered, =93Humans have always lost themselves in battle. Eons b=
efore
> the curses gave us new instincts to contend with, it=92s the way it=92s a=
lways
> been.=94
>
>     =93Then why do we always come away pained?=94 The animal whimpered in=
 a
> churr.
>
>     Edmund laughed humourlessly, =93Because we=92re not monsters.=94
>
>     =93I didn=92t think I=92d ever feel worse then the first time I snuff=
ed
> someone.=94 The feline said softly.
>
>     =93You acted in self defence that day, today you made a decision and =
took
> responsibility for your safety.=94 He placed a hand on his friend=92s sho=
ulder,
> =93It=92s not meant to be easy.=94
>
>     =93Thanks, Ed.=94 Stealth said and absently nuzzled the paladin=92s h=
and.
>
>     =93If there=92s one to bear the burden it is me; they did this to get=
 to
> me.=94 He said and huddled up more in the coat while the knight=92s tail =
wrapped
> around his legs.
>
>     =93Because of the Shadow?=94
>
>     =93No.=94 Edmund said bluntly. =93Daedra followers are evil but not s=
tupid.
> He knew I have no control over the spirit of the woods.=94
>
>     Stealth blinked, =93Then he told those people, all those people you d=
id
> just to...=94 The cheetah slowly turned his head to look at their prisone=
r.
>
>     The man bound and slung over his back could not speak but through the
> gag he seemed to grin.
>
>     Edmund=92s reaction was swift and unexpected. He lashed out with his =
fist
> and punched the man dead square on the nose. =93Your real punishment will=
 come
> soon enough.=94
>
>     The Daedraenlui grunted and choked a bit on his gag.
>
>     Stealth turned away and blanched. Edmund said that man killed his own
> people. And he lied to them to obtain their help in killing the paladin...
> They=92d not have been so helpful if they knew the Shadow was still a thr=
eat.
> Had they succeeded all of them would have naively gone to their deaths at
> the hands of the Shadow Fox. And he was proud of it! As troubled as Steal=
th
> felt at their fight that morning, it was comforting to know that at the v=
ery
> least he wasn=92t a sadist...
>
>     After the fist to their prisoner=92s face, their conversation died do=
wn
> again. Edmund pondered everything that had happened and everything that
> would need to be done. George will want a debriefing, those ashes in the
> cellar would need to be collected respectfully and he=92ll need to give
> Bridgette a big hug and kiss.
>
>     Another matter of concern was obviously the armour and =91dire=92 for=
m.
> However of more concern to the knight was Stealth himself. Edmund was a b=
it
> surprised and a little amazed that Stealth did so well. He did have a
> problem with following instructions but Edmund was already aware of that.
> What gave him pause was Stealth=92s attitude; he did almost falter but be=
sides
> that he seemed eager when at other times the feline acted much more timid
> and reserved. Perhaps the new form or suit had an affect on the lad.
>
>     =93Ed.=94
>
>     Edmund blinked out of his revere, =93Yes?=94
>
>     =93What was a Daedraenlui even doing here in Metamor?=94 The animal a=
sked
> as he navigated a large mound.
>
>     =93Good question. One that many people will want answered. Especially
> myself.=94
>
> -------------------------------------
>
>     It had only been just over a full day but to the returning cats it fe=
lt
> like weeks. Edmund and a score of his men escorted their guest to the
> dungeons. Stealth took the sack containing his belongings to the Guild To=
wer
> for recharge and analysis. The mages wanted to keep it in their possession
> for some time to understand its transformation but it refused to stay put
> and merely blobbed along the floor and back to its wearer.
>
>     Stealth shrugged and left, promising to return for them to study the
> new suit when he had the time to sit around. He left in his dire form =96=
 he=92d
> been in that form since early morning =96 and walked towards his next
> destination.
>
>     As the large animal walked through the halls of Metamor, people stoped
> to gawk. Some chuckled while others were gobsmacked. Some looked on in
> curiosity and made appraisals while others cowered in fear. To think, if
> he=92d been a normal, ordinary taur in a tunic people wouldn=92t even spa=
re a
> glance.
>
>     Late that day the dire cheetah in golden armour lined with black
> splodges slowly and with natural grace entered Long Hall. Misha spared wi=
th
> some of his fellow Longs in taur form, everyone stopped in their training=
 to
> gawk and the horse-sized feline.
>
>     Stealth turned his gaze down and saw a metallic animal standing in
> front of him.
>
>     =93Rawr!=94 The cheetah said to the metal fox.
>
>     Madog promptly =91yipped=92 and scurried to hide underneath Misha=92s=
 legs,
> peeking up shyly from underneath.
>
>     =93Hello Misha,=94 The giant animal said in hypnotic low hiss.
>
>     =93Stealth? Is that you?=94 The fox asked, confused.
>
>     =93Yep, I learned a new trick...=94 The cat grinned.
>
>     =93What happened?=94 Misha asked, unsure of how he should react.
>
>     The cheetah sat on its haunches, =93I went out to the woods the other=
 day
> and got a new suit. Then by accident while I was trying to get out of it I
> discovered a new forth form. I call it the Dire form.=94
>
>     =93Very impressive Stealth! You are some sort of mega sized cheetah.
> Almost like a throw back to some ancient long extinct giant cheetah!=94
>
>     =93Oh, yes. Now Oberon can be the little cat.=94
>
>     =93Can you teach me this new form?=94 Misha asked enthusiastically.
>
>     Some people around the taur rolled their eyes or sighed. They weren=
=92t
> all too excited about the idea of a bouncy dire fox.
>
>     =93I don=92t know; I don=92t really know how to teach people stuff.=
=94 The
> animal shrugged.
>
>     =93Stealth.=94 Said the taur and placed his hand on the cheetah=92s s=
houlder,
> =93You need to teach me new things!=94
>
>     =93Okay, I=92ll try, though I hope you don=92t mind loosing your uppe=
r half.=94
>
>     =93No problem.=94 He handed his staff to Georgette and removed his ve=
st.
> =93I=92m always happy to try a new form.=94
>
>     =93Good!=94 Said the dire cheetah. =93Now close your eyes. Picture yo=
ur own
> body...=94
>
>
> Dire Situation
> Copyright (c) 2008-2009 Michael Nastov
>
>
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>
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